Nunnie on the Sideline

By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor

The sports world seems completely oblivious to today’s political climate,  as if 47’s ruthless, calculated dismantling of our democracy – full frontal assault  right in our faces –  won’t eventually reach their  pockets, bedrooms or  personal freedoms. That includes every major sports broadcasting network via television, radio and social media. The assault may be directed toward minorities but the impact is being felt even by his supporters, intentional I doubt because the oligarchs don’t care. I’ll revisit the subject in a few months.

Strangely enough, Eddie Robinson, Alabama State’s head football coach, comment directed at then Jackson State’s Dieon Sanders:” He ain’t SWAC,” originally perceived as jealous indignation, perhaps at the minimum deserves further thought. After learning about Eddie George’s departure from Tennessee State where he had rebuilt this storied program into conference and national prominence, then surprisingly accepting the head coaching position at Bowling Green, a MAC mid-major in George’s home state of Ohio, gave me cause to pause, reconsidering Robinson diatribe directed at Coach Prime. Those who attend HBCUS, i.e., SWAC, MEAC, CIAA, SIAC. had no other option because of segregation and were acutely aware of the inferior facilities provided. However, opportunities allowed talented athletes to excel on and off the field, providing a safe haven for many and a blessed opportunity for others. Jerry Rice, Buck Buchanan, Walter Payton and Steve McNair are a few of many who developed skills at surmise that it would be more difficult for a successful coach to simply pull up stakes and leave for the money, the  glitz and glamor and exposure had they attended  an HBCU.  For Coach Prime and Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George, attending PWIs, FSU and OSU respectively, perhaps the decision to leave was not as difficult. I’m not casting aspersions since much needed finance and exposure fell upon Jackson State and Tennessee State because of the notoriety associated with the hiring and that trend as previously noted on  several occasions in this space can’t be ignored. But, I do believe that experiences at HBCUs would have made a decision by a SWAC guy a gut-wrenching difficult choice.

I don’t know of family, friends  or fraternity brothers who didn’t revel or Deion’s success at JSU or now Colorado, and believe the same will hold fast for Coach George at Bowling Green. I am just as assured that HBCU, SWAC and other conferences of color will be just as proud of former NFL star Eddie Robinson will used whatever resources at his disposal to push Alabama State football to greater heights. Perhaps there is something to bring SWAC.

In future articles I feel it my duty and obligation to educate our athletes, no matter where they choose to attend school, about the great traditions inherent in HBCU athletics.